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India-Pakistan

Rangers launch special operation against banned outfits ahead of Muharram

2015-10-13

[DAWN] KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that since Muharram and local government elections are taking place simultaneously, the intelligence and law enforcement agencies will have to be more vigilant as banned outfits have started re-emerging with new names. During Muharram, in addition to the Rangers, over 64,000 police personnel would be on security duty in the province. Pillion-riding would be banned for three days, mobile services would be suspended, and special security measures would be taken for Shikarpur, Khairpur and Shahdadkot while the Rangers would carry out a special operation in coordination with the police and the counterterrorism department against activists of proscribed organizations. A comprehensive security plan would be worked out for local government elections. The chief minister gave this approval while presiding over an extraordinary meeting on law and order in the context of Muharram security arrangements right from Muharram 1 to Chehlum. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan also attended the meeting. The other participants include Senior Minister for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers Sohail Siyal and Syed Nasir Shah, CM adviser on law Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Rangers Major DG General Bilal Akbar, additional inspectors general of police A.D. Khwaja, Mushtaq Maher and Sanaullah Abbasi, and heads of intelligence agencies. The chief minister said that Majalis and processions began on the first of Muharram and continued till Chehlum. Therefore, the security plan must be worked out accordingly. Apart from it, local government election process was also in progress and a security plan for it must also be worked out.

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India-Pakistan

Election bar on banned outfits to be strictly enforced

2015-09-17

[DAWN] The Sindh apex committee decided on Tuesday that no member of outlawed organizations would be allowed to contest the local government elections whose first phase would be held in eight districts of the province on Oct 31. A meeting of the committee presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah also decided against allowing any banned ...the word banned seems to have a different meaning in Pakistain than it does in most other places. Or maybe it simply lacks any meaning at all... organization to collect hides of animals during Eidul Azha. Only welfare organizations may collect the hides if they follow the official code of conduct. The meeting was attended by Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar and other bigwigs. Talking to journalists after the meeting, Sindh Information Minister Nisar Ahmad Khuhro said it was a follow-up meeting of the federal apex committee and was aimed to review the pace of implementation of decisions. He said the federal government had decided to set up five military courts in the country, including one in Sindh, and that the province would soon appoint a judge for the trial of cases. Mr Khuhro said the meeting, which lasted more than three hours, decided that all local and international non-governmental organizations operating in Sindh would have to obtain a security clearance. The international NGOs would have to get themselves registered with the federal government and the local ones working in Sindh with the provincial government. He said that about 257 private security firms operating in Sindh would have to get security clearance and have their guards trained by Sindh police. They will not be allowed to hire foreigners or have partnership with them. He said that so far 67 security firms had been registered after verification. Mr Khuhro said there were 9,590 religious seminaries across Sindh and 6,500 of them had been registered with the government. He said a 10-member committee comprising five members each from religious institutions and the government would formulate a code of conduct for registration of seminaries. He said that foreign students who wanted to apply for a Pak visa would have to identify the madressah where they had got admission. The apex committee also decided that arms licences of all those people who had failed to get the document renewed and computerised would be cancelled and the home department would confiscate their weapons.

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India-Pakistan

Operation to continue in Karachi

2015-07-14

[DAWN] The Sindh Apex Committee expressed concern ...meaning the brow was mildly wrinkled, the eyebrows drawn slightly together, and a thoughtful expression assumed, not that anything was actually done or indeed that any thought was actually expended... on Sunday over low conviction rate of criminals and formed a committee comprising the provincial chief secretary and prosecutor general to seek judiciary's help in setting up a special bench of the Sindh High Court for summary trials, it is reliably learnt. Addressing a presser at the Chief Minister House after a meeting of the apex committee, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the civil and military leaders were on the same page on the issue of eliminating terrorism and a task force headed by the home secretary and comprising representatives of police and Rangers had been formed to ensure implementation of decisions taken by the apex committee. The meeting presided over by Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah was attended by Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, Rangers Director General Maj Gen Bilal Akbar, Sharjeel Memon, Home Minister Sohail Anwar Sial, Chief Secretary Mohammad Siddique Memon, Sindh IG Ghulam Haider Jamali, FIA Director Shahid Hayat, Home Secretary Mukhtiar Soomro and officials of law-enforcement agencies. The information minister said it was a constitutional requirement to get approval of the provincial assembly for extending deployment and increasing powers of Rangers. The PPP has a majority in the assembly and, therefore, approval would not be an issue.

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India-Pakistan

JIT questions Saulat Mirza

2015-04-16

[DAWN] Members of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) questioned death row prisoner and former Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) worker Saulat Mirza in Balochistan ...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it... 's Machh jail on Wednesday. Security was beefed up in and around Machh jail in view of the JIT members' visit. A 10-member JIT investigated Mirza for six hours. A Machh jail officer, who did not want to be named, told Dawn.com that Mirza was shifted from his death cell to the Jail Superintendent's office for questioning. Following the questioning, Mirza was shifted back to his cell, the officer said. The investigating team then travelled to Quetta amid tight security. Mirza had levelled serious allegations against MQM chief Altaf Hussain ...think of the head of the Barzini clan, only in Urdu... , Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad and MQM leader Babar Ghauri in a video broadcast hours before his scheduled execution on March 19. Following the broadcast that changed the country's political atmosphere, President Mamnoon Hussain had extended Mirza's execution.

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India-Pakistan

Last suppers

2015-03-26

[DAWN] DEATH row confessions, like beads of sweat, reek of fear. It is natural for any human being, faced with the prospect of execution, to unburden his or her soul before catching up with it lighter in the hereafter. Dr Samuel Johnson once said: "When a man knows that he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully." The MQM activist Saulat Mirza has been on death row since his conviction in 1999 for the murder of Shahid Hamid, the managing director of KESC -- as K-Electric was then known ---- in 1997. Saulat has had not a fortnight but 15 years to concentrate his mind wonderfully. With less than a few hours left to live, though, he decided to divulge confidences that would otherwise have been interred with him. His revelations are incendiary. They involve alleged complicity of the MQM chief Altaf Hussain ...think of the head of the Barzini clan, only in Urdu... and the sitting governor of Sindh Ishratul Ibad in that murder. Saulat Mirza intended that his self-serving distribution of culpability would have the same terminal effect on the MQM leadership that director general Federal Security Force Masood Mahmood's did when he turned approver and claimed that he had received orders to murder Ahmed Raza Kasuri from prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ...9th PM of Pakistain from 1973 to 1977, and 4th President of Pakistain from 1971 to 1973. He was the founder of the Pakistain Peoples Party (PPP). His eldest daughter, Benazir Bhutto, would also serve as hereditary PM. In a coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq, Bhutto was removed from office and was executed in 1979 for authorizing the murder of a political opponent... . Bhutto died on the gallows for the death of Kasuri's father; Masood Mahmood died in the anonymity of a US witness protection programme. The president granted Saulat a reprieve just hours before the time of his execution, presumably to encourage him to reveal more. The government then decided otherwise. It asked for a second black warrant, which has been granted. Saulat now faces the gallows again. Like all condemned prisoners, he will be offered a last supper. Who knows what that meal will comprise?

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India-Pakistan

Altaf Urges MQM Workers To Remain Peaceful, Respect Law

2014-06-05

[Dawn] KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement ...English: United National Movement, generally known as MQM, is the 3rd largest political party and the largest secular political party in Pakistain with particular strength in Sindh. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the target of the Pak Army's Operation Cleanup leaving thousands of urdu speaking civilians dead... (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, who is currently being held by London Police on charges of money-laundering, urged his followers and party workers late on Wednesday night to remain peaceful and not to take the law into their own hands. Speaking to MQM's international secretariat in London over telephone, he advised the party activists and sympathisers to show courage and remain peaceful. Hussain also apprised the party members of his health. "I have never disappointed the nation in the past nor will I do so in the future," said Hussain, adding that the current circumstances were not new and that he has faced tough times before as well. The MQM chief vowed to continue his struggle for the party cause and said that he was still indomitable. Rabita Committee's senior deputy convener Nadeem Nusrat, party members and office bearers and a large number of activists were present on the occasion. The party workers in London, Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... and elsewhere expressed their joy upon hearing the voice of their leader. Meanwhile, ...back at the wine tasting, Vince was about to start tasting his third quart... upon conclusion of an emergency meeting by the MQM's Rabita Committee in London, the party has appealed to traders and transporters in Karachi and other cities and towns of Sindh to resume their businesses. However, some people cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go... it added that ongoing sit-ins across the country would continue. The party also urged the workers and symphatisers to attend the main Numaish Chowrangi sit-in with same spirit they have shown so far. Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan also visited the sit-in at Karachi's Numaish and assured the MQM protesters that everything would be done for the well being of Altaf Hussain. He thanked all politicians including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf... and Pakistain Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for extending help to the MQM chief. The MQM chief was nabbed Keep yer hands where we can see 'em, if yez please! by the Bitish police on Tuesday on suspicion of money-laundering. He was arrested in northwest London where he has been living in self-imposed exile since 1992. Thousands of Altaf Hussain's supporters continued the sit-in protest on second day on Wednesday. "The people of Sindh still see Altaf Hussain as their leader," said MQM leader Nasir Jamal. "The thrust of this protest is the release of Altaf Hussain. We are here until we see positive indications from London." The ability of Hussain's supporters to shut down Pakistain's commercial hub for two days underscores his influence and many fear that riots might still erupt. But as of Wednesday evening no major acts of violence had been reported. A front man for London police said Hussain remained in jug where he is being questioned on suspicion of money laundering. "By this evening we will probably know if he's going to be charged or released," the front man said.

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India-Pakistan

Doctor, driver gunned down in Karachi

2014-05-14

[DAWN] Dr Manzoor Memon, the medico-legal officer (MLO) at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), and his driver were bumped off Tuesday evening in Delhi Colony area of Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... According to police, Memon, 45, was traveling with his driver Ashiq, 40, in the Delhi Colony area when unidentified gunnies on cycle of violences opened fire on his vehicle. Both men died on spot. The bodies were taken to the JPMC. Joint-Director and In-charge JPMC Emergency Department, Dr Seemi Jamali said Memon was going home after duty when the incident took place. Jamali said Memon received bullets in his upper torso. Both Memon and his driver shuffled off the mortal coil before they could be shifted to the hospital. Taking notice of the incident, Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad has sought a detailed report from the Inspector-General of Sindh Police. Demanding better protection for doctors, medical staff at the Jinnah Hospital stopped performing their duties in protest of the killing of their colleague.

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India-Pakistan

Treason trial may involve Musharraf's 'abettors'

2014-03-17

[DAWN] The recent application, filed by former military ruler retired General Pervez Perv Musharraf ... former dictator of Pakistain, who was less dictatorial and corrupt than any Pak civilian government to date ... in the special court, points fingers at the alleged co-conspirators behind the November 3 actions. If accepted, this application would implicate a number of high profile civilians and armed personnel in the treason trial. The application Gen Musharraf recently filed in the special court, which has been established to try the former dictator for high treason, demands that the civilian leadership and the military authorities that allegedly abetted in the imposition of the November 3, 2007 emergency should also be tried along with him. According to the proclamation issued for the November 3 emergency, Musharraf imposed the emergency after consulting the then prime minister, the governors of all four provinces and the chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee, the chiefs of the armed forces, the vice-chief of army staff and the corps commanders of the Pakistain Army. "It is therefore imperative for this Hon'ble Court to seek the names of the above officials and supply the same to the accused.... to try all the accused together. In the face of such omission the trial shall stand vitiated," says the application pending before the special court. Regardless of whether or not this application is accepted or rejected, here is a short account of who those corps commanders and other military officers mentioned in that notification were: Among the civilians and retired army officers, the proclamation claims that the emergency was imposed with the consent of the then former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, the governors retired Lt-Gen Khalid Maqbool of Punjab, retired Lt-Gen Ali Jan Orakzai of KP, Jan Mohammad Yousaf of Balochistan ...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it... and Ishratul Ibad of Sindh. Moving beyond the civilians to the army officers consulted, the most important name is that of General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani ... four star general, current Chief of Army Staff of the Mighty Pak Army. Kayani is the former Director General of ISI... . He was vice chief of army staff on November 3, 2007 when Musharraf imposed the emergency. Having succeeded General Musharraf as the chief of army staff on November 29, 2007, Kayani served at the post for the next six years. He was the first chief of the army to receive an extension from a democratic government. He also held the acting charge of the chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee for a brief period from October to November of 2013. The then chairman joint chiefs of staff committee Gen Tariq Majeed was also mentioned in the proclamation of November 3 emergency. On October 8, 2007, Majeed was sworn in as chairman joint chiefs of staff. As the proclamation also claimed that the services chiefs of that time were also consulted, the then chief of naval staff Mohammad Afzal Tahir may also be implicated in the said trial. Tahir took over the command of Pakistain Navy from Admiral Shahid Karimullah on October 7, 2005, after the latter's three-year tenure ended. The Air Force was represented by Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed at the time of imposition of emergency. He was the air chief from 2006 to 2009. Lower down on the rung, there is retired Lt-Gen Mohsin Kamal, who was then serving as Commander 10 Corps, Rawalpindi.

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India-Pakistan

PM approves action against 'political patrons' of criminals

2014-03-15

[DAWN] Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf... on Friday gave approval to the law enforcement agencies to take action against the patrons of criminals without taking into account their political affiliation in the next phase of the ongoing targeted operation in Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... . Informed sources told Dawn that the next phase would be known as 'fast-track operation' and the PM gave the go-ahead to proceed against influential patrons of criminals while chairing a high-level meeting to review the overall law and order situation. The PM directed the authorities to relocate the anti-terrorism courts to the Malir Cantonment area for the protection of judges, witnesses, Sherlocks and prosecutors. He asked the Sindh government to expedite establishment of isolated high-security prisons in the province to confine terrorists. The PM was briefed on law and order by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. It was followed by a briefing session with the chief secretary, director general of the Intelligence Bureau, Rangers DG and Sindh police chief regarding the operation in Karachi. Federal ministers Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Ishaq Dar and Khurram Dastgir were also present. PM Sharif directed the Sindh government to lift a ban on recruitment in all civil armed forces. He asked the authorities to use army recruitment centres for fresh recruitment and ensure transparency and merit in the process. He and also asked the interior ministry to expedite the process to block illegal mobile phone SIMs and ensure issuance of the SIMs through a biometric system. The prime minister agreed to set up more cop shoppes in the strife-hit Lyari ...one of the eighteen constituent towns of the city of Karachi. It is the smallest town by area in the city but also the most densely populated. Lyari has few schools, substandard hospitals, a poor water system, limited infrastructure, and broken roads. It is a stronghold of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. Ubiquitous gang activity and a thriving narcotics industry make Lyari one of the most disturbed places in Karachi, which is really saying a lot.... area. During the meeting the matter of illegal Afghans and Bengalis in the metropolis also came under discussion and the prime minister assured the provincial government that it would get all-out support from the federal government for the success of the operation, which he said would continue till achieving its objectives. He asked the provincial government and the Rangers to remove operational flaws to make the targeted action more effective against criminals and against the land mafia to protect government land. "The Karachi operation will continue until its objectives are achieved," he said and termed the sacrifices of security personnel invaluable. He said the Karachi operation was not a matter of routine but of immense importance and he would continue to regularly monitor and supervise the operation and would help the provincial government to resolve its all related issues. He said that a high-level meeting would be held during the next week to review the overall security situation of the country. The PM said: "We will also discuss coordination mechanism regarding border control, intelligence sharing and combating terrorism." He said the police and Rangers should use new anti-terrorism laws to combat terrorism, extortion and land-grabbing. Earlier, the chief secretary briefed the PM on the law and order situation and apprised him that 393 cases of heinous crimes had been registered. The PM was informed that illegal migration of foreign nationals was also causing the law and order problem. He was also informed that fresh inductions in the police force were needed in order to strengthen the force.

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India-Pakistan

'Targeted action against militants to continue'

2014-01-28

[DAWN] The provincial government said on Sunday the series of 'terrorist attacks' on law enforcement agencies aimed at demoralising them in their quest to purge the society from extremist elements would not succeed and, instead, would play as a catalyst to boost the morale and courage of the security personnel against 'timid enemies'. "The targeted action against militants will continue until the last criminal is eliminated", said Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah in response to the Saturday night twin attacks that claimed lives of six policemen in Landhi. On Sunday, funeral prayers for five of the slain policemen -- ASI Naeem, ASI Javed, Head Constable Muhammad Asif and constables Fida Hussain and Khalil Ahmed -- were offered in Karachi. The body of the sixth victim had been dispatched to Wazirabad, Punjab. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon told reports at his office that the coward terrorists were afraid of facing brave policemen from the front. "Those who inflict colossal loss to cops will never be forgiven for their crimes and they must be taken to task at all costs," Mr Memon said. The minister said 'terrorists' had miserably assumed that they could ever cause the morale of the armed forces and police to decline "while the fact is that the morale of our forces has boosted and they are more determined to chase and eliminate the terrorists with all the strength they have". He said the security forces especially Rangers and police had bravely conducted their raids and arrested terrorists and would continue to perform their national obligation with due fervour and zeal. "Terrorists will never succeed in their evil designs to push our forces to the wall. "We are chasing them in a fashion that they will find no place to hide. They are destined to face the music," he said. He expressed condolence with the bereaved families and pledged that the provincial government would bring those involved in the assassination to task. Meanwhile, the city police chief, Shahid Hayat vowed to continue the targeted operations 'no matter what it costs'. He announced a Rs5 million reward for those who helped investigators in identifying the attackers who killed the six policemen in two attacks in Landhi. "No matter what it takes Karachi operation shall go on and police will not backtrack from its stance of fighting against criminal elements destroying peace," said a statement quoting the city police chief Hayat. "Recent killings of policemen cannot stop us from doing our job," he declared. "We conducted several raids last night and arrested a number of suspects. We will do it again tonight and tomorrow." He said it was not the first time when the Karachi police were being targeted. There were attacks on police stations and even one on the convoy of a then Karachi Corps Commander in the past. He mentioned the assassinations of a number of policemen, prominent scholars, leaders and philanthropists in the city and said: "But the Karachi police have a history in bringing the situation back to normal and we will do it again." Meanwhile, the CM ordered the provincial police chief to immediately arrest the terrorists involved in the attacks on police and murders of scores of innocent citizens. He reiterated that such attacks could not demoralise the force and their sacrifices would succeed in eliminating militancy. He asked the Sindh police chief to equip his force with bullet-proof vests and other paraphernalia in least possible time and ordered for a report to be submitted to him soon. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad asked the IGP Sindh as well to submit reports about the attacks on the policemen and firing at the vehicle of MPA Muhammad Kamran of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, said an official handout. a He directed the police chief and the Rangers director general to further strengthen security arrangements across the city, and ensure those responsible of the acts be brought to justice.

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India-Pakistan

Ishrat pins hope on targeted operation for 'crime-free' Karachi

2014-01-09

[DAWN] Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan Wednesday expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing targeted operation citing "significant decrease" in murders and kidnappings for ransom and hoped that Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... will soon turn into a 'crime-free' city. "Earlier, around 26 cases of kidnapping for ransom were reported daily. Now, the number has gone down to one or two cases a day. Target killing is also under control. Soon the government will overcome all kinds of crime," he said. The governor was speaking to participants of National Security Workshop held under National Defence University at the Governor House, said an official statement. He said that the police and rangers were conducting targeted operations against the snuffies and outlaws even in those areas of the city where no such action had ever been taken in the past. Public confidence in the law enforcing agencies including Rangers, police and Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has increased, he said. "Now, they do not hesitate to visit these agencies/institutions for getting their reports/complaints registered," he added.

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India-Pakistan

Sindh governor tenders resignation

2013-09-15

[Dawn] Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad Khan has reportedly faxed his resignation to the President House, according to various TV news channels. Ishrat, belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement ...English: United National Movement, generally known as MQM, is the 3rd largest political party and the largest secular political party in Pakistain with particular strength in Sindh. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the target of the Pak Army's Operation Cleanup leaving thousands of urdu speaking civilians dead... (MQM), was seen at the Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... airport to be leaving for Dubai late on Friday amid protests by the party against the ongoing operation in the thriving provincial capital. The operation which the MQM has dubbed as one-sided action against its office bearers is being conducted by the Sindh government. The most significant arrest during the action has been that of former MQM politician Nadeem Hashmi, following which urban areas of Sindh, including Hyderabad and Karachi, observed a shutdown earlier on Wednesday. Hashmi was later sent on week-long physical remand by an ATC in Karachi. Ibad, who was appointed to the post on Dec 27, 2002, is also the longest-serving governor of the province. In his more than a decade long time at the governor house, this is not the first instance when the MQM leader has tendered his resignation. He has previously resigned from the position and then withdrawn his resignation on insistence of his party's chief Altaf Hussain. Upon persuasion by former president Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistain Peoples Party (PPP) -- the former coalition partners of MQM -- Hussain, on more than one occasion, advised Ibad to take back his resignation. In June 2011 and again in February this year, he tendered his resignation hours after the MQM pulled out of the ruling coalition in the province and at the centre in protest that its 'reservations' were not being addressed by the PPP. On both counts, Hussain asked the governor to reconsider his decision in the light of requests made by the business community, industrialists, religious scholars and people belonging to different spheres of life. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, who was appointed on Dec 27, 2002, is the longest-serving governor of the province.

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